Ob Luang National Park – Chiang Mai – Northern Thailand

Ob Luang National Park in in Northern Thailand approximately 105 kilometers south west from the heart of Chiang Mai.

The National Park covers a total area of 553 square kilometers heavily forested and steep granite hills It adjoins the much higher mountains of Doi Inthanon. The elevation ranges from 200 meters to 1,656 meters along the Mae Jaem River to the northeast.

During the rainy season, the rapids crashing on the boulders are very impressive and makes a magnificent display as the water forces its way over rocks and boulders that obstruct its course .

The national park forms the watershed of Mae Jaem River the main water tributary of the Mae Ping River. The area is full of high, steep cliffs with a narrow passage creating strong currents and powerful echoes. T

The best views are to be had a the river rushes through the dramatic Ob Luang Gorge. Translated to English, “ob” and “Luang” in northern Thai language means canyon and grand respectively. Although nowhere near the size of the Grand Canyon n the US, it is however a very impresive sight especially at the height of the wet season.

The area is rich with stone age history with a few rock paintings still viable on the nature trails. Carbon testing has shown that some of the findings findings are about 28,000 years old.

The area has a wide variety of wildlife and is home to more than 34 mammal species. and birds are said to number approximately 200 species.

There are several waterfalls in the area some of which are large and water flows year round but if you want to see the sheer power of rushing water, come at the peak of the wet season.

The National Park Office has tent sites and visitors to rent tents and sleeping equipment at reasonable prices.

Ob Luang National Park Image Gallery

Below are a few photos from our visits. Click on any image to enlarge it and see a description of the image.